Today we’d like to introduce you to Jawanda Newsome
Hi Jawanda, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was in college at UTSA. I answered a job post to become a therapist for a child with autism. Training would be included. Schedule was flexible and pay was really good. I interviewed and received the job. I did not know what autism was in 1998. I was trained and I worked hard at my job with a sibling set. I cried my was through the first month or two because these souls were beautiful and I had never been exposed to children with autism (that I know of). I continued to wok for this family and others eventually. There were maybe only 5-6 trained therapists in San Antonio back then so we were able to work with a lot of families. Clientele continued to grow but I was only 1 person so I brought friends on board. We kept getting referrals so I grew it into a business that I love. 27 years later we are still here doing what we love.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road has been both smooth and rough. The actual work/therapy is rewarding and fun. The business side is a little more tedious and rough.
Some struggles- maintaining clients, having enough therapists, maintaining credentialing, making sure billing is done correctly, audits, payor sources demands and changes
We’ve been impressed with ABA and Behavioral Services, LLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We treat children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities. We provide behavior modification and ABA therapy to help increase those wanted behaviors such as talking and decrease those unwanted behaviors such as physical aggression. There is a lot more in between of course.
What sets us a part is that we truly do care. we really work hard to increase the quality of life for both the client and family. We focus on what is important the family and family not just follow a protocol.
I am most proud of my staff. They are so caring and among the best. I am also proud that I have nurtured others to help them grow and open their own companies.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Continue to treat because we care.
Be careful of insurance/payor source requirements and make sure you meet them.
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